Location

Some islands are more expensive to visit than others. Based on a survey done by the Fodor’s Travel Guide, the least expensive islands to visit in the Caribbean include Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Montserrat. The most expensive include Barbados, St. Lucia and Grand Cayman.

Always ask for discounts

As the saying goes, “If you don’t ask you don’t get.” If you’re a member of AAA, AARP or some other group that offers travel discounts, let everyone you come in contact with know about it. Hotels, airlines, car rental places and even some restaurants offer discounts for members. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much you save.

Get a room off the beach

Sure, it would be nice to look out the window of your hotel room in the morning and see the ocean, but if you get a room a block or two from the beach, the rates you’re charged will be significantly lower.

Travel midweek

Caribbean vacations, and vacations just about everywhere for that matter, will be less expensive if you travel on the less desirable travel days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Timing

If you don’t want to spend a lot on your vacation, the best time to visit the Caribbean is during the off season – which runs from mid-April through November. You can find cheap hotels and more affordable airline tickets when it’s not so busy.

Courtesy: ARAcontent
Photo: Rennett Stowe

The Azores are one of the world’s most beautiful and unspoiled natural wonders. Belonging to Portugal, these nine islands are volcanic in origin and include Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Faial, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo.

Jamaica vacations offer the best of many worlds, and adventure travelers continue to flock to this location for their next jaw dropping experience. Here are some of the island’s best offerings for those who don’t mind having their heart skip a beat:

Get closer to nature and camp in the wild

If you love nature and want to get up close and personal with the creatures of the jungle, consider a camping trip to a serene location in the Jamaican mountains. Hop on one of the cheap flights to Montego Bay and you’ll be well on your way to seeing the jungle like you never have before. A guide can take you to the best camping locations and also provide you with some rental gear.

Zipline your way down the Jamaican mountainside

The zipline is a popular activity throughout Jamaica. You’ll be able to zoom down the hillside, over a tropical valley, or around the lush jungle canopy as you dangle from a rope from point A to point B. The great thing about ziplining is it can be appropriate for the whole family. When you zip down the mountain with your kids right behind you, you’re guaranteed to bond like you never have before.

Cliff jumping for a rush into the ocean

Don’t be surprised if you are minding your own business only to look over to see a Jamaican local doing elaborate cliff dives for your entertainment. For the not-so-faint-of-heart, cliff jumping can be the ultimate thrill. Some pools in Jamaica are built right into the cliffs so jumping is as convenient as ever! Remember, cliff jumping can be dangerous and if you do decide to take the plunge, make sure someone with experience explains any rocks or other water concerns you should be aware of. Otherwise, prepare to feel your heart drop (and try to avoid a belly flop).

Ride the ravenous rapids

The sun is scorching and a river rafting adventure is just what you need to wake up and cool down. A variety of guided rafting tours is available for those that dare to ride the rough waters of the Jamaican rivers. Most tours start out slow as you enjoy the beautiful jungle surroundings. But before you know it, you’ll be hit by the bumpy waves that toss your raft around like a ragdoll. Feel the rush as the water splashes from every angle.

ATV your way through a jungle safari

You thought your cheap flights to Jamaica were the way to travel, but ATVs are a great travel option for navigating through Jamaica once you are there. Experience the exotic jungle up close and personal with your own ATV that will roll through the rough terrain and even some rivers. You’ll be able to discover the local flora and fauna, secret villages, remote waterfalls and crystal clear pools. You’ll love having an ATV that can get you through just about anything to find the hidden treasures of Jamaica.

Courtesy:  ARAcontent

Holland America Zuiderdam

by Robert Deveau

The Zuiderdam is a series of mid-size ships in Vista class of ships in the Holland America Line. Built in 2002 this was the first of the Vista class of ships. The four vessels in the Vista Class of ships are all representations of the four directions: Zuiderdam (south), Noordam (north), Oosterdam (east) and Westerdam (west). The differences between the Holland America Line vessels and those of other cruise lines is the unsurpassed service and luxury. I truly believe that one must experience this level of comfort at least once in a vacationing lifetime.

When boarding this Holland America Line vessel, the first thing that you will notice is the attention to detail in the decor of the ship. The Zuiderdam’s atrium features a Waterford Crystal Seahorse which sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. At midship, each side features outdoor elevators which allows you a beautiful view of the ocean while you are in the elevator.

But the true beauty of this ship is its crew. Staff are attentive and polite, more so than on any other ship I have been on. The almost one staff member per two passengers ratio on board ship is the highest of the major cruise lines and it shows. If you require assistance, then assistance will be there. For me, the real elegant touch were the rolled cotton towels in the washrooms, instead of paper towels.

Having a gross tonnage of only 85,000, classifies this ship as a mid-size ship, but it is certainly big on elegance, service and class.

When I cruise, I really enjoy everything it has to offer. From the first-class Broadway style shows to the five-star gourmet cuisine.

About the author: If you are going on a cruise vacation, you will also want to get the most out of it. I can help you learn the cruise basics as well as more advanced money saving techniques

Royal Caribbean Navigator Of the Seas

by Robert Deveau

The Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas is a member of the Voyager class of cruise ships. A series of cruise ships that feature all the same amenities that most cruise lines do, but also very many extravagant things that no other cruise line can boast.

Once you board your first question might be, is this a cruise ship or a work of art? You will find that this cruise ship is a revolutionary masterpiece if ever there was one.

Not only does it sail effortlessly through the waters of the Caribbean, it contains some of the cruise industry’s most amazing features – a rock-climbing wall, a basketball court, an ice-skating rink and an in-line skating track. in addition, it has a five-story theater, a casino, a miniature golf course and a spectacular three-story dining room?

Sailing at 138000 gross tons, this ship is among the largest on the water. Of course, the ship’s major asset is its mammoth size, which affords all passengers areas for listening to live music, or sharing a quiet conversation. There is the open stack library, which has no specific hours unlike many other ships, rather this is open 24 hours per day. There are many areas such as pool side or the Solarium which are constantly busy, yet they are sufficiently large enough to accommodate those passengers who love aquatic activities and those who just want to relax.

I highly recommend that the adults arrange a night at Portofino’s. This is the $20 per person extra charge Italian restaurant. It was an outstanding evening out. And on this evening the dining room staff made sure the children were seated, served and accommodated to their hearts content.

When I cruise, I really enjoy everything it has to offer. From the first-class Broadway style shows to the five-star gourmet cuisine.

About the author: If you are going on a cruise vacation, you will also want to get the most out of it. I can help you learn the cruise basics as well as more advanced money saving techniques.

Courtesy: EzineArticles
Exterior Photo: nickherber
Interior Photo: lewishamdreamer